The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is stepping up its game at the upcoming DuQuoin State Fair by bringing a range of public health information and services right to the visitors’ doorstep. Kicking off this Friday, August 23, the IDPH will establish its presence with a dedicated tent open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as reported by the State of Illinois.
Living up to its commitment to public health, the IDPH will offer free naloxone - a life-saving antidote to opioid overdoses - in collaboration with the Egyptian Health Department. As the opioid epidemic continues to present challenges, these agencies are actively working to empower individuals with knowledge on recognizing and responding to overdoses. Besides naloxone, according to an Illinois Government News release, the tent will feature suicide prevention resources and free gun locks, thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Illinois State Police, aimed to promote firearm safety.
The fair experience will also include an informative aspect, as IDPH's Vital Records Division will be ready to guide visitors through the process of obtaining important personal documents like birth and death records. Furthermore, the department is showcasing its job and career opportunities, making a concerted effort to attract diverse talents while highlighting its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. With something for everyone, the IDPH tent on Grandstand Avenue is poised to be a hub of health and information amidst the fair's festivities.
In the words of IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, "We encourage all who attend to visit our IDPH tent and learn about the programs and services we offer to keep Illinoisians healthy and safe," as stated by the State of Illinois. For those planning to attend the fair, which runs until September 2, a stop by the IDPH tent could prove to be both educational and potentially lifesaving.
